In the past fife years, Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS in Dresden developed a new type of micro scanning mirror called LinScan. The new technology is especially suitable for beam steering and pico-laser-projection display applications.

Various applications like barcode readers, scanning grating spectrometers or light detection and ranging (LIDAR) require dynamic deflection of light. Micro scanning mirrors are the cutting edge technology when it comes to providing robust and cost efficient scanning capabilities for ultra mobile and low power consumption applications. The novel device concept LinScan allows for static actuation of certain deflection positions in a continuous scan range as well as linear scanning about one of optionally two scan axes. Hence it can be utilized for applications that could not be addressed with Fraunhofer IPMS’s existing resonant micro scanning technology. With LinScan even large mechanical scan angles of about ±11,5° can be addressed statically and point by point. »This is very important for beam steering applications like laser marking and writing«, says Denis Jung, who developed the LinScan device concept within his doctoral thesis. Furthermore the so called quasistatic scan regime allows to dynamically modify the scan trajectory. For example with LinScan a saw tooth shaped scan trajectory can be realized which enables line-wise writing of images in pico-laser-projection displays. The line-wise scan pattern enhances picture resolution and contrast compared to existing resonant scanning mirrors. »First demonstrator samples, which are now available for evaluation by customers show the capability of SVGA resolution«, explains Denis Jung and points out »LinScan devices use the electrostatic driving principle and hence consume significantly less power than competitive electromagnetic micro scanning mirrors with a comparable performance level«.

More information at http://www.ipms.fraunhofer.de/